Which analyte is the best indicator of the overall picture of the immune system in an HIV-positive patient?
A) Absolute CD4 count
B) Relative lymphocyte count
C) WBC count
D) Relative CD4 count

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The absolute CD4 count is the best indicator of the overall picture of the immune system in an HIV-positive patient because it reflects the number of helper T cells in the body, which are the primary target of the virus. Monitoring this count can provide valuable insight into the progression of HIV and the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy. The relative lymphocyte count and WBC count can be influenced by various factors and may not necessarily reflect the status of the immune system in the same way as CD4 counts. The relative CD4 count may be useful in certain situations, but it does not provide as clear a picture as the absolute count.

Which Analyte Is the Best Indicator of the Overall Picture